The Premier League's Match Centre has clarified the decisions surrounding William Saliba's goal for Arsenal against Fulham, which was allowed to stand, and Bukayo Saka's disallowed late strike. Saliba netted from close range after getting on the end of a Kai Havertz header, levelling the score in the second half of the London derby.
Despite initial offside claims by the hosts at Craven Cottage, replays showed Antonee Robinson's left boot narrowly kept Saliba onside.
"The referee's call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position," stated the Premier League on social media.
Later drama unfolded when Saka thought he had clinched a dramatic winner, only for VAR to rule it out, spotting that Gabriel Martinelli was offside during the build-up.
"Saka's goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that Martinelli was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed," read the official statement regarding the disallowed goal.
Despite falling behind to a Raul Jimenez goal before halftime, Saliba's equaliser ensured Arsenal avoided defeat, although Arteta's men were unable to secure the full three points.
The draw has brought the Gunners within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, whose match against Everton was postponed on Saturday.
The new league favourites have a game in hand due to the cancellation, while Chelsea could move back above Arteta's men with a draw or win against Tottenham in Sunday's late game.
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson expressed his frustration at Martinelli straying offside on Sky Sports, stating: "In football terms it's criminal.
"You're looking across the line, you've got pace. I'll be surprised if he isn't on the end of one from the manager.
"You could see it on his face, he knew. The one thing when looking across the line is you cannot be offside."
Despite dropping points against Fulham, Arsenal remain ahead of last season's Premier League champions Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola's side continued their challenging campaign on Saturday, drawing 2-2 away at Crystal Palace, and they remain two points behind the Gunners.
Guardiola said: "This season started difficult and will be more difficult than last season.
"We have to survive this season, every game, try to take points to win games and go forward. We know it and feel it and unfortunately, we are also missing important players."